From Our Correspondent
TURA: After dilly-dallying for several months despite knowledge of the huge racket running in the form of illegal collection of money by several groups of extortionists, the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) has issued a stern notice, warning of action against the unlawful trade.
The executive committee of the GHADC issued a notice that individuals and groups pretending to be lessees of the Council have been indulging in illegal collection of taxes on perishable/consumable commodities which are being brought in to the market for sale resulting in price rise of such food items.
“Some Nokmas are also indulging in the illegal collection of taxes or fees on boulders, sand and other minerals in their A’king land,” stated the Executive Committee.
It may be mentioned that there is a huge difference in prices of food items, specially vegetables, fruits and spices in Garo Hills, particularly in Tura and other main markets. This is reportedly the result of groups engaging in collection of taxes the moment the goods enter into Garo Hills’ markets.
Sources claim that the illegal collection is not restricted to the unloading of the sacks containing the produce but hidden taxes are also imposed on each kilogram of the food items.
“We are ready to act but the problem is that no one comes forward with a complaint and we have to depend on here say” said a senior government official from the District.
The District Council, on the other hand, has stated that no individual or group has been authorized to collect tax on behalf of the Council adding that no collection of toll or taxes has been leased out to any individual or groups other than the authorized lessees. Interestingly, the Council has failed to provide any data or information on the actual authorized toll collection centres of the Council. Meanwhile, the traders association, chamber of commerce, business communities government officials and the general public have been asked to cooperate with the council whenever any illegal practices are found.